self-governance

noun

self-gov·​er·​nance ˌself-ˈgə-vər-nən(t)s 

: self-government sense 2

Synonyms of self-governance

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• independence
• freedom

Examples of self-governance in a Sentence

despite pessimistic predictions, self-governance has worked out well for the former colony

Recent Examples on the Web

The Big Ten has also discussed self-governance internally if there is no legislative solution. — Justin Williams, New York Times, 23 July 2026

No matter what, the headlines will come over the next four days, along with plenty of conversations around self-governance, breaking away and changing the rules. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

There had been revolutions and attempts at self-governance dating back to ancient Athens. — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026

In response, Britain imposed the punitive Coercive Acts (1774), closing Boston Harbour and stripping Massachusetts of self-governance. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-governance

• governance